Russian brothers lend Thai police a helping hand on Phuket

The Protasov brothers use their language skills on Phuket to build a bridge. Source: The Protasovs' personal archive

Thousands of Russians have left their homeland in search of a better life in the sunny climes of Thailand, but some have ended up not only living, relaxing and doing business in the so-called Land of Smiles, but also working for the good of society. RBTH found out how Igor and Alexei Protasov have been doing their bit to help out tourists and locals on Phuket.

Five years ago, brothers Igor and Alexei Protasov brought
their families to live on the Thai island of Phuket, where they first ran a
family construction firm, and more recently, a restaurant business. Now,
however, Igor and Alexei devote a considerable part of their time not to
business, but social activities, working as assistants in the Thai Tourist
Police department on the island.

The two brothers are the only Russian assistants in the
Thai Tourist Police department on Phuket, where they are involved in
investigations if incidents occur involving tourists from various
countries. These days they are called upon to settle minor misunderstandings
with foreign tourists on Phuket less frequently, but at first, as ordinary
volunteers, the brothers helped police deal with almost any incidents, most of
which, according to Igor, happen because of misunderstandings.

“The biggest problem is the language barrier,” says Igor.
Fluent in English, German, Czech and Thai in addition to his native Russian, he
and Alexei quickly became some of the most active volunteers and were invited
to work at the Thai Tourist Police.

“We live here,” says Igor, “so we should be involved in public
life as well, to help in the best way we can. Of course, it is pleasant when
those who we have helped say thanks, but this is not the most important thing.”

From disputes to kidnapping

The majority of cases are based on petty theft, lost
items, road traffic accidents, or simply disputes that involve locals and
foreigners. In cases of misunderstanding, says Igor, where there is a possibility
of reconciling the parties, the tourist police officers help resolve problems
without bringing the matter to trial by reaching a settlement between the
parties to the conflict right in the police station, but there are sometimes situations
where court cannot be avoided – these being the more serious cases.

“Often there are times when there is clear evidence against
foreigners – witnesses or surveillance camera footage. Despite this, out of fear
they refuse to admit their guilt, and thus exacerbate their situation. In such
cases, our task is to explain Thai laws to foreigners,” says Igor.

The Protasov brothers have also taken part in the
investigation of very high-profile criminal cases, such as the kidnapping of two tourists
from Vladivostok, Alexei Slabinsky and Yana Strizheus, in March of this
year. Igor was the first to speak to Strizheus when she was found, and the
evidence he gleaned helped the police move forward in their
investigation.

Igor and Alexei are often invited to work as
translators in court when there are cases in which defendants or plaintiffs are
foreign nationals. Although this is not part of their jobs as assistants
to the tourist police, the Protasov brothers are always ready to provide help
for the benefit of society and the law, the observance of which is a pledge of
peace and security for both residents and visitors.

First
published in the RBTH print supplement published with The Nation newspaper in
Thailand in October 2014